Spring in Tokyo (Part 1): Shinjuku, Shibuya, Super Sentai, and Sakura

- March 24-25, 2024, Sunday to Monday.

- After years of planning for a family trip to Japan, it finally happened, albeit without my mom. My dad wanted this to happen for a long while now, because my parents' first trip abroad as a married couple was their vacation in Tokyo some decades back. He wanted a "trip" down memory lane with the whole family. Sadly, my mom couldn't come since her passing, but at least we made it happen for dad. For my mom, at least she was able to go back to Japan for a visit in 2013 when we joined a tour (but without dad).

HELLO AGAIN JAPAN.

- Spring is often a favorite among tourists to visit Japan because of the cherry blossom flowers or "sakura" that show their colors for a short time in spring. That's why the moment we settled down after arriving on the 24th, we tried our best to look for pink sakura flowers at the Shinjuku Gyoen, which is an imperial garden since 1906. It has several gates, which can be accessed from Shinjuku Station, Shinjuku Gyoenmae Station, or Sendagaya Station. (** Speaking of trains: Tokyo normally has its own Suica and Pasmo Cards, but as of writing, they're currently not yet available. Because the Suica and Pasmo cards aren't available, one would need to buy a one-day or three-day ticket. HOWEVER, other IC cards, like my ICOCA card from the Kansai region, can be used in Tokyo. Likewise, Suica and Pasmo cards, for those who were able to buy previously, can be used in Kansai as well.)

- Fortunately, we were able to catch the park open, and the sakura flowers in bloom. Shortly after taking our photos, it started to drizzle, but at least it wasn't that bad. We walked out the Shinjuku Gate and explored the rest of Shinjuku.

Of course I had to wear my kimono!

I'm so happy to see sakura flowers again!

I like how they look like little Potchi candies (if you live in the Philippines you probably know what Potchi candies are.)

Look at the detail.

Intermingling trees.

More flowers.

In full bloom.

- We passed by the Godzilla Head at Shinjuku Toho Building in Kabukicho, before having dinner at Ichiran, as per my dad's request. We also spent some time looking at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (Tocohomae Station) to see the world's largest  mapping show. (Mapping is the use of irregular objects  like buildings - as canvasses for image/video projections.)

Oh no Godzillaaaaa.

It sometimes has lights or blows smoke.

Ichiran.

Mapping show at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.

- Our first day was short but eventful, since we didn't waste time after arriving at our hotel mid-afternoon. The next day was our first full day and from this day onwards I mostly chose to explore by myself while they had their own plans, because I knew the stuff I wanted to see were things they weren't too interested in. (It took years for us to figure out that this was the best way to not have arguments during trips.) The next day was also one of the rainiest days I've experienced in Japan ever as it did not stop raining from morning until night.

- I began my rainy morning with a trip to Shibuya to see some of Tokyo's well-known spots (Shibuya Station, preferably the Hachiko Exit). I first had a photo with the Hachiko Statue. Hachiko was a dog that died in 1935. It was known for its loyalty, as it always waited for its owner Professor Hidesaburo Ueno outside Shibuya Station after work at the same time. After Professor Ueno passed away, Hachiko would continue to wait for Professor Ueno outside the station (assuming the Professor would be there) for almost a decade until its own passing. Hachiko gained the attention of the public, including the media, and gained love from everyone. As a symbol of loyalty, a statue of Hachiko was built and placed outside Shibuya Station.

With the most loyal dog.

A closeup of the Hachiko statue.

- Just beside the statue is probably the world's busiest and most famous crossing: the Shibuya Scramble Crossing. Honestly, it felt underwhelming as I thought it would be a huge pedestrian crossing. It appeared like any other pedestrian crossing to me, although I could imagine having thousands of people cross the street at the same time would have made things a lot more remarkable. Since it was around 7 in the morning, the crowd wasn't heavy yet, which was good, but at the same time being there early meant that some of the electronic billboards weren't operating yet, and the buildings were obviously not lit. Still, it was easier to take photos that way; no regrets. 

Just trying to cross the street.

Hachiko wall art.

Shibuya Scramble Crossing on a rainy morning.

- I rode the train from Shibuya Station to Yoyogi Station and walked all the way to the Meiji Shrine (also accessible via the Meiji-jingu-mae Station and Harajuku Stations among other stations). It is a Shinto shrine built in 1920 in honor of the Meiji Emperor. Apart from the main shrine, which does appear like many other prestigious shrines, it also has a garden area. I think it wasn't the best time to go to the garden because the flowers (particularly the irises in the iris garden) were still being planted so I wasn't able to see any flowers. I did, however, see Kiyomasa's Well in the garden, which is said to be a "power spot" as it is said to provide good energy, and it also provides liters upon liters of water per minute. (Because I saw the well in the rain, I felt the energy from the rain more than whatever energy I should be getting from being around that well.)

Main torii gate.

Main shrine.

A smaller torii at the back side.

Kiyomasa's Well (in the rain.)

Meiji Shrine Treasure Museum. I think it was closed temporarily (I walked all the way to the museum for nothing, in short. It was a bit far from the entrance.)

- Soon after I decided to go back to the hotel to warm myself and change into a new set of clothes after being drenched in the rain. When I was all set, I went to Nakano Broadway (Nakano Station). Though a bit off way from many places I planned to visit in Tokyo, I knew I had to visit Nakano Broadway for a few reasons. This mall-apartment complex that was built in 1966 houses many interesting things. It has interesting food choices at the basement level, as well as rows of second-hand kimono stores (my target), as well as endless stores selling items related to Japanese popular culture (which includes Super Sentai, my favorite).

After you leave Nakano Station, just follow the covered shopping street (Nakano Sun Plaza) then Nakano Broadway is at the end.

Kimono stalls at the basement.

Mandarake, which operates most of the stalls in Nakano Broadway, has done so since 1980. It started as a book and manga store, and has expanded to selling other pop culture items like toys and other collectibles.

You'll see this.

SUPER SENTAI PLS.

MUST GET ALL.

They also have Power Rangers (Power Rangers is the American adaptation of Super Sentai.)

Torii gates to another Mandarake store.

Sailor Moon!

- After going around the infinite stores of Nakano Broadway, I rode the train to Ikebukuro (Ikebukuro Station) for dinner. I was actually so glad I found out about this because I nearly missed having the chance to have a dinner at the Super Sentai Restaurant (please reserve your slot through their website here). The Super Sentai Restaurant opened in 2021 and shares space with the Kamen Rider restaurant. (Both Super Sentai and Kamen Rider are from the same company.) Not only were Super Sentai merch displayed in the restaurant, but the food in the restaurant are also based on the shows through the ages (such as a character's distinctly favorite food). 

They give tokens to customers.

Had to find the perfect shirt that was related to Super Sentai, and I guess I nailed it. My shirt has the usual colors of Super Sentai teams. 

More sentai.

With the current one, Boonboomger.

Autographs!

My dinner: Gokaiger Neapolitan spaghetti, Bioman sci-fi drink, and Zenkaiger dessert.

Toyssss.

Some of their robots!

Super Sentai, Kamen Rider, and me!

Left side: Super Sentai, right side: Kamen Rider, and a wideeeescreen TV in the middle. 

Kamen Rider side.

It says "Super Sentai Restaurant", and you'll see all of the little red rangers displayed!

- I really enjoyed my time at the Super Sentai restaurant and I'm so glad I was able to check this out while in Tokyo! It's rare for me to find stuff that caters spot-on to my interests. My dinner at the Super Sentai restaurant also concluded my first full day in Japan. So far, Tokyo has been amazing despite the rain, and I couldn't wait to see more of what Tokyo has to offer!

** Please check out my other blogs in this series:

Part 2: Imperial Palace, Tokyo Tower, and nearby shrines (click here)

Part 3: Kawagoe and Tokyo Tower again (click here)

Part 4: Sensoji, Ueno, Ameyoko, Cat Cafe (click here)

Part 5: Odaiba and Gundam, Tsukiji Outer Markets, Tsukiji Honganji, Ginza (click here)

Life Down Under (Part 5): Adelaide CBD and Port Adelaide

- August 11-12, 2022, Thursday to Friday.

- There are days when I work extra hard in anticipation of a "long weekend" and this is just one of those weeks. I had to grind a lot for my research from Monday to Thursday before my trip to Adelaide! I flew via Jetstar so the fares won't be too expensive.

- I arrived in Adelaide in the late morning and left my luggage at my hostel, Adelaide Central YHA. The hostel was comfortable, cozy, and centrally-located! I'd recommend it for those who'd like a no-fuss stay in Adelaide. They have a kitchen where guests can cook their meals if they wish. Pancakes are free every morning (the pancake mix is pre-made, and guests have to cook the pancake themselves.)

The only photo I have of my hostel. My bunk is the one with the light on.

- Once I had my things settled, I wasted no time and started exploring the city. The Central Business District of Adelaide is quite compact, though do take note that most places of interest lie in the north of the city (Rundle and North Terrace area). Fortunately, my hostel was located towards the north. The trams in Adelaide go horizontally and vertically (like a cross), so it's quite easy to navigate. The down side is, there are no trams in the central and southern parts of the CBD, except for the only tram line going north-south. The only tram line that goes horizontally is in the northern side of the CBD. 

- I began with the Museum of Discovery (MOD), located inside one of the buildings of the University of Adelaide (City West tram stop). A new museum, opened just in 2018, it features exhibits that combine scientific data and art (that is, information design.) This time, their exhibit was about the way people interact with the internet and social media. 

One of the buildings of the University of Adelaide, where MOD is.

I loved this gallery.

The exhibit agrees that there is so much fake news these days. This was an online quiz to see how much a person is susceptible to fake news. (Unfortunately, I know a lot of people who will definitely fail this quiz.)

- From MOD, I walked along North Terrace to see the State Library of  South Australia (Art Gallery tram stop). The library itself was built in the early 1800s, but its most picturesque wing, the Mortlock Wing, was constructed in 1884. The wing preserves it 1800s look. It reminded me of Hogwarts.

Passed by the (New) Parliament of South Australia.

Also passed by the Old Parliament beside the new Parliament.

Government House (from outside.)

National War Memorial (for the fallen soldiers of WWI.) 

State Library.

One of the halls that's being renovated.

Mortlock Wing.

I mean....how can you not fall in love with this place?!

Pretending to read. HAHAHAHA.

- Next door is the South Australian Museum, founded in 1856. While it does have the usual plants, animals, and rocks, some of its special exhibits include the Pacific cultures gallery, and the gallery on the Douglas Mawson's Antarctica expedition in the early 1900s.

South Australian Museum.

Pacific Cultures gallery.

Thylacine (Tasmanian tiger.)

Moon Knight anyone? (Also, this Taweret statue can be found in a random Egyptian gallery in the museum.) 

Extinct endemic megafauna in Australia.

Mawson's Antarctic expedition.

Yay more (stuffed) animals!

- Conveniently located beside the museum is the Art Gallery of South Australia, established in 1856. The gallery boasts mainly European, Australian, and indigenous Australian art. 

Art Gallery of South Australia.

Western works.

OMMG Yayoi Kusama!

This makes me dizzy.

A piece of art. Oh, and there's also Yayoi Kusama's wall.

Chiharu Shiota's "Absence Embodied".

Circe Invidiosa (1892) by John William Waterhouse. It is said that the museum acquired this painting brand new - as it was still wet when it arrived!

William Morris and his flowery art. I love William Morris so much.

- Behind the museum and the gallery is the Migration Museum. Opened in 1986, it shows the roots of Australia's multiculturalism and how they built lives in Australia. 

Migration Museum.

They had a special gallery about Afghan migrants. How timely!

Afghan costumes.

- From the gallery I passed by Rundle Mall (Rundle Mall tram stop), which is just a street away from North Terrace. The street has lots of shops and restaurants. 

Rundle Mall.

Giant pigeon. It was taller than me I think.

- I rested in the hostel for a bit before meeting my high school friend Erika. We had soothing Japanese food for dinner as it was drizzling that evening. We then had a stroll along Rundle Mall, hoping to see some light installations. Unfortunately we missed them but it was still nice to see the other stores I wasn't able to pass by in the afternoon.

Passed by Chinatown Adelaide.

Hi Erika!

Love these pig statues in the middle of the street.

Interesting.

Giant balls just lying in the middle of Rundle Mall.

Dessert!

- The following morning, I had brunch with Abigail, another amazing friend from high school. After some chit chat, she was kind enough to drive me all the way to Port Adelaide. She dropped me off at the clipper ship named City of Adelaide.

Passed by the Trinity Church on the way to the tram stop. It was opened in 1838 and was the first church of South Australia.

Adelaide Entertainment Centre.

Australian flag on top of the Entertainment Centre.

Hello Abi!

- The ship was launched in England in 1864 and has transported many English travelers as well as goods and supplies to Australia. It was also used as a floating clubhouse after WWII until it mysteriously sank in 1991. From then until now, it has been in the process of restoration. Eventually they will bring it to land as part of a maritime exhibition. The museums of Adelaide hire many volunteers, and the City of Adelaide clipper ship was no different. Howard, a charming elderly volunteer, was kind enough to explain the context of the ship to me. I also liked the fact that I got to see the ship the was it looks now because I've never seen a ship in its early restoration appearance. It's usually fully restored like Polly Woodside in Melbourne. I felt sad when Howard told me that I was probably going to be their only customer for the day, mainly because it was incredibly windy. However, he did say that the ship was popular and on days with better weather, they would have many guests visiting the ship. (I didn't really have much choice since I didn't have much time in Adelaide.) 

See that gorgeous clipper ship rudder.

How they treated illnesses on the ship. The hospital bed is donated by a hospital, but the costume the mannequin is wearing is an authentic 19th-century nurse clothing.

I'm your captain now!

Howard told me that they added Captain Jack Sparrow to entertain people. More significant than Jan Sparrow, this actual porthole is original!

1800s clothing.

Original windows.

Howard explaining things to me.

What the clipper ship looked like back in the day,

Of course I needed to have a photoshoot with the ship!

At the docks. In the future they will open a museum inside this shed. 

- The clipper ship was perhaps one of the most interesting things I've seen in Adelaide, but the only problem was that it was a bit far from downtown Port Adelaide. So much so that the other volunteer, Ian, offered to drop me off at my next destination as it was a long and windy walk to the city. Ian and Howard told me that they wanted to take care of me since I was their first (and probably only) customer that day.  

- Ian drove me to the South Australian Maritime Museum, which was the closest museum to the clipper ship. The museum is one of the three museums along Lipson Street. The maritime museum opened in 1986. It holds some of the earliest maritime artifacts in Australia!

Museum facade. The building the museum is in was built the 1800s.

An actual ship inside the museum!

Figureheads.

- Further down the road is the National Railway Museum. It opened in the 1960s, but its current incarnation opened in 1988. It is the largest museum of its kind in Australia. The museum is larger than I thought since it had more galleries behind the main gallery - which is big itself. The galleries were filled with actual trains!

Railway Museum.

The trains look amazing!

Trains at the back.

More trains at the second gallery!.

- Finally, I visited the South Australian Aviation Museum. The museum has its roots in 1988 but opened in 1990. Its current incarnation dates back to 2006. The aviation museum is exactly what its name is - a museum WITH actual airplanes. It reminded me of my visit to Hangar 79 in Pearl Harbor in Hawaii (see here). Its collection of planes range from war planes to commercial planes.

Aviation Museum.

Goodness gracious so many airplanes!!

See the dummy pilot inside?

Old control area.

I took a photo of this plane simply because it's orange. HAHA.

There was a part where they show you how the volunteers work on plan restorations.

Inside a military plane.

- After my visit to all four big museums of Port Adelaide, I rode the train from Port Adelaide to Adelaide Railway Station in the city. It was a cozy ride, and a good rest for my legs that spend most of the day walking around. 

Look there's a rainbow!

I looked closer and....apparently it was a double-rainbow!!

- Upon arrival at the city, I rode a southbound tram to South Terrace tram station and walked to Himeji Garden. This Japanese garden was named as such because Adelaide and Himeji became sister cities in 1982. In honor of this, the garden was made. Carefully chosen plants and rocks were placed in the garden to make it look authentically Japanese.

I mean. seriously....how can a small garden in the city be as beautiful as this!

Rub Buddha's belly. (Also, I love how my vintage coat resembles a Japanese coat. - Also why I decided to use for this particular day)

Zen garden.

Zen mode on. Do not disturb.

Not sure what flower this is but it sure is beautiful (chrysanthemum maybe?)

Saw this on the way back.

Mandatory photo op.

- I ended the night with a hearty dinner in Chinatown, since most of the restaurants there close a bit later than other places. So far, Adelaide has been a bit quiet for me, but the city is not short of interesting places to see and experience!